The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has urged the newly appointed Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Justice Annabel Mtalimanja to prioritize principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness—core tenets of any credible electoral process
Mtalimanja has taken over the mantle from Justice Chifundo Kachale whose term expired recently.
“With 20 million Malawians placing their trust in her leadership, the stakes are high, and the expectations even higher. The HRDC stands ready to support Justice Mtalimanja and her team at MEC in their endeavour to conduct a free, fair, and credible election in the coming year. Our commitment to defending human rights and promoting democratic values aligns with the mission of the MEC, and we are dedicated to working collaboratively towards these shared goals.
“In exercising her noble duty, Justice Mtalimanja should be mindful that elections are the pinnacle of every democracy. Her role is crucial in ensuring that the wheels of democracy keep spinning smoothly. The significance of her position cannot be overstated; she is now the custodian of the democratic process in Malawi. Her decisions and actions will have far-reaching implications for the future of our nation’s governance and the confidence of the electorate in the democratic system.
“Elections serve as the foundation upon which the legitimacy of our government rests. They are the mechanism through which the will of the people is expressed and upheld. Justice Mtalimanja must, therefore, approach her role with a profound sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to the democratic principles that are the lifeblood of our nation. Ensuring that every vote counts and that every election is conducted fairly is not just a task but a sacred responsibility,” reads part of the statement signed by HRDC national chairperson, Gift Trapence
